Bullslaughter Bay

Bullslaughter Bay is a small, steep-sided, rock-and-boulder Pembrokeshire mark that can fish exceptionally well when there’s a bit of Atlantic swell and colour in the water. It’s best thought of as a rough-ground venue where you’re targeting classic Pembrokeshire species tight to the structure rather than long-range clean-ground casting.

• Small bay with lots of kelp-covered rock, broken ground and gullies.
• Most productive around low water and the early flood when features are exposed and readable.
• Expect snags: tackle choice and fishing style matter as much as casting distance.

Bullslaughter Bay sits on the Pembrokeshire coast and is approached on foot via coastal paths, with access typically involving uneven ground and a descent towards the bay. You should plan the walk in as part of the day’s fishing—this isn’t a “park-and-cast” mark.

• Access is usually by public footpath/coastal path, then down to rock ledges and boulder-strewn shoreline.
• The final approach can be slippery after rain and in heavy sea spray.
• Treat it as a mobile mark: you may need to move along ledges to find a fishable gully with manageable snag risk.
• Take a headtorch if there’s any chance of finishing in low light, as the return path can be awkward.

The bay’s rough ground and kelp make it a natural home for wrasse and pollack, with bass and rockling showing when conditions suit. In the right sea state, it can also throw up better fish where gullies funnel food.

• Ballan wrasse (often the most reliable species in summer).
• Pollack (best when there’s some movement and you can work lures/baits close to kelp edges).
• Bass (especially with a bit of surf, broken water and colour; dawn/dusk can be prime).
• Rockling and the occasional conger in deeper holes/at night where there’s heavier, snaggy structure.
• Mackerel can appear in spells when shoals come close, especially from higher rock points with clear water.

Bullslaughter Bay rewards close-in fishing and good control over your terminal tackle. Simple rigs fished effectively, or lure work kept just above the kelp, will usually outscore big casts.

• For wrasse: short-range fishing into kelp beds and along rocky edges with strong tackle and abrasion resistance.
• For bass: fish gullies and the white water with natural baits; keep leads light enough to move naturally but heavy enough to hold when needed.
• For pollack: work soft plastics, jellyworms, metal lures or shallow divers along kelp lines and across the mouths of gullies.
• Rigs: simple pulley/pennel or short flowing traces are common choices on mixed ground; be prepared to sacrifice gear.
• Baits: peeler crab, rag/lug cocktails, sandeel, mackerel strips, or worm baits depending on target species.
• Bring spare leads, hooks and traces—snags are part of the game here.

This is a mark where conditions often matter more than tide tables alone: too calm and clear can slow it down, but a bit of sea and colour can switch it on. That said, the bay’s features are easiest to fish and read around lower water.

• Low water into the first part of the flood often gives the best mix of access and fishable gullies.
• A modest swell and some “tea” colour can improve bass and general feeding activity.
• Very big swell can make ledges unfishable and dangerous—don’t force it.
• Clear, flat conditions can still produce wrasse and pollack if you fish tight to kelp and vary lure speed/weight.
• Wind against tide can stand waves up quickly; watch the sea for at least 10–15 minutes before committing to a stance.

Bullslaughter Bay is not an easy-access venue, and it demands constant attention to footing and the sea state. If you’re not confident on rough ground, pick a more forgiving mark in the area.

• Rock ledges and boulders are often weed-slick; studded boots/cleats can be a big help.
• Swell can surge into gullies and cut off exits—always identify a safe retreat line before you start fishing.
• Avoid fishing alone in rough conditions; mobile signal can be variable depending on the bay’s shape.
• Carry minimal but essential kit so you can move quickly and keep balanced.
• Night fishing increases risk substantially here: only attempt if you already know the mark in daylight.
• Consider a personal flotation device on exposed ledges, especially with any swell running.

Facilities are limited and you should be self-sufficient for the session. Sort food, water and any tackle needs before you walk in.

• No guaranteed shelter at the mark; weather exposure can be significant.
• No on-mark toilets or bins: take litter and discarded line home.
• Nearest shops/amenities depend on where you park and which approach you use—plan ahead.
• A small first-aid kit and a spare layer are sensible given the terrain and wind chill.

This bay fishes best when you treat it as a series of small micro-marks rather than one big cast. Spend time watching the water and you’ll quickly spot the productive seams.

• Look for narrow gullies with deeper, darker water and white water at the mouth—these often hold bass and pollack.
• Fish lighter leads where you can: letting a bait waft naturally can outfish “anchored” presentations.
• For wrasse, don’t strike wildly; keep steady pressure and drag fish away from kelp immediately.
• Carry a few lure weights and profiles to match depth and swell—too heavy will snag, too light won’t get down.
• If you’re getting constant snags, move a few metres: often a clean patch or sandier run sits between boulder fields.
• A long-handled net or gaff may be needed from higher ledges, but only use what you can operate safely on the ground you’re standing on.

There is no widely publicised, universally applicable “blanket ban” specific to Bullslaughter Bay that can be relied upon without checking locally, and access rules can change. You must confirm any restrictions on arrival and via official sources.

• Check for local signage at access points regarding closures, private land, nesting birds, or seasonal restrictions.
• Be aware Pembrokeshire contains Marine Protected Areas and sensitive habitats; some activities may be restricted—verify current rules with the relevant authorities.
• If collecting bait (e.g., crabs, shellfish), ensure it’s permitted and follow local bylaws and size/limit rules where applicable.
• Observe national rules on protected species and take special care with catch-and-release in warm weather.
• If in doubt, contact the local council/park authority or Natural Resources Wales for up-to-date guidance before fishing.